FEAR OF JAPAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1923, Page 3

FEAR OF JAPAN.

NKKI) FOH DKKKNCK. ACHTIIAI.IAN AND N.Z. CAItI.K ASSOCIATION. SYDNEY, Oct. 22. 11l his presidential address at the annual coulereuce id the Xational federal ion, ex-senator \Y. Plain declared that Japan was the only country likely to cross swords with Australia. Me deanamlcd that America and Britain should call a stop to Japan’s increasing navy. Japan was not adhering to the .spirit of the Washington Conference. As much as 4!) per cent of her national expenditure was being spent on increasing the navy. . Senator (I. K. I’earee. Muustei ot Home Affairs, replying, denied that japan was nut carrying out the letter and spirit of the Washington 'I reaty. Ho added that Japan took steps to put imuiv of its operations into effect before'the Treaty actually had been pass-

The Minister concluded: “This docs „ot absolve Australia from her responsibility. \Ye are living in an armed camp." War seems to become an oceudf Mr K. K. Bowden, Minister ol Defenee, addressing the coiilerenee on defence niatters. said that Australia. New Zealand and .Inpan were not limited in tho slightest by the recent Armaments Conference as regards naval ’‘iSsS. which were absolutely necessary. 11 present eflicieucy of the Australian Meet bad never been higher, but the reduction in personnel "as serious. U had been reduced from 10.1 to m U-l----2‘ to 7,064 in 1922-23. . Referring to munitions the Mtnistti said that the small arms factory at and Maribyrnong would tie manufacturing revolvers and also eignt-eeit-pouuders shortly, in addition to the shells for the latter guns. Plant was being installed to make shells up to six inches. At present, however, the position of the fixed defences and the artillery units was serious, as lar as Ammunition was concerned, *° l stocks must he replenished.